"stirrup Leather Keeper" Tutorial Anyone , Jumping Saddle Building Info?

[CustomDoug]

Does anyone know of a tutorial that explains how to make and install the small leather "stirrup keeper" loops like you see on the side skirts of (european style) jumping saddles? In particular, I'm interested in the ones where the ends (of the loop) disappear into the skirting and only the loop itself is visible.

I'm interested in European saddle building in general and would appreciate any info on the subject. Thanks.

Doug C

[TheModifier]

The Art of Making Leather Cases by Al Stohlman page 5 Example E Is what I believe you are looking for.

[CustomDoug]

Thanks Modifier, actually looking at pg 5 of that book, what I'm talking about is not so much Example E but rather the illustration section under it called "Unusual Loop Installations", on the right hand side. That's it exactly... well, except the loops are not raised and it would not be done on a narrow strip but rather a thigh skirt of a jumper's saddle.

Unfortunately there's not much information besides the picture. I suppose it's just a matter of spacing and pricking the stitching holes (on the outside of the leather) in the form of rounded English belt ends.

But that's part of my concern - what's the best way to position all the holes to be exactly alike and the stitching to all look alike? Make a durable template of an English belt end with round holes to mark where prick can then be done? I assume pre-pricking holes in the loop ends would be a waste because lining up the holes to the outside pricked holes would basically be impossible.

Also, what about gluing... this could be awkward in this case because the loop, a strap (essentially) is being glued to the inside of a soft leather. But I guess the top-side ends of the loop would just need to be roughed up (which is unusual in itself) to aid adhesion, right? can I assume gluing will be strong enough to hold the strap to the inside of the thigh skirt while a diamond awl pierces the holes in this soft leathers? No special clamp?

The loop itself, in the European stirrup keepers looks to me like they are made of thin leathers that are doubled over length-wise, with the seam meeting in the middle of the back side (because the edges are soft rounded)... so with that in mind, I could not use Al Stohlman's ex. E on page 5 - because his ends flare out flat.

Doug C

Edited December 26, 2015 by CustomDoug

[Thor]

This is the guy you want to contact Doug. http://leatherworker.net/forum/index.php?showuser=39106

[TinkerTailor]

2 prong stitching chisels are what is generally used to keep stitch spacing around curves. Also, you can definately scuff up the top side of the leather and glue it with contact cemtent and it will stick plenty good to stitch. I have done grain to grain in english bridle this way with no problems, When you scuff it, you create loose fibers for the glue to "wrap" around, giving enough mechanical hold that it will overcome the wax preventing the glue from stitching. I use mainly hot stuffed leathers, some of which are soft and chrome tanned, and i do it this way all the time.

A neat trick for scuffing is to buy the 80 grit adhesive backed sandpaper discs for an angle grinter and stick little pieces on wood blocks or sticks. I also will just stick it to my finger and rub away. I find i have way better control this way and it is faster than using a wire brush or one of those special roughing tools.

Edited December 26, 2015 by TinkerTailor

[CustomDoug]

Yes I realize that the two prong chisels would be the tool to use for the short curved top-stitching holes... but my reservations involve the process of figuring out where to place the holes exactly before stitching. Since the line of stitching would naturally be a few millimeters inside the edge of the loop, this fact needs to be reflected in the top-stitching without marking the leather (with a scratch awl representing the edge of the unseen loop). So I think unless someone has a better technique I may have to just breakdown and create some kind of a hard template that includes the oblong loop hole and corresponding stitch holes. I can mark those holes with a round pointy awl on the grain side of the leather, then remove the template and use the two prong chisel at those points.

Thanks everyone for your input, techniques and links.

Doug C

Edited December 26, 2015 by CustomDoug

[gmace99]

i have made thousands of saddles. there is lots of ways to do loops on the flaps. Send me a picture of the one you are talking about. I will try and help.